But his form has remained impressive and Birmingham-born Evans is back up to 70 in the world following his success in South West London, not far from the more prestigious surroundings of Wimbledon.

It still feels like Evans has much more to give. And while he “doesn’t want to put numbers” on a ranking target, he wants to “get higher than I was” – namely the 41st place he attained in March 2017.

Things looked to be pretty rosy around that time, but even before his drugs ban, Evans had spent much of his career fending off accusations of wasting his talent and not putting in the required amount of work to really break into the sport’s elite.

He has twice been stripped of his Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) funding and had numerous run-ins with former coaches over his off-court attitude and a lack of discipline.

But he sees any past troubles as just that – past troubles.

He did not have a world ranking in April 2018, but was 189th in January 2019 and 70th after winning in Surbiton.

“I don’t think about what has happened now,” he said, with more than a tinge of irritation. “It has gone. It’s behind me.

“I have worked hard to get back where I am in the top 100 and am playing well. I don’t think about where I could get to at Wimbledon, but if I make it to the fourth round then who knows.”

Analysis

Russell Fuller, BBC tennis correspondent

I’ve felt for several months now that Dan Evans was going to be a very dangerous man to face on the grass this summer.

He’s worked very hard for the past 12 months, and his ranking is nearly where it was before the ban.

If you look at his results for 2019 alone, he is a top 50 player, with Cameron Norrie the only British player above him.

Evans has beaten John Isner and Frances Tiafoe, and came very close to beating Stan Wawrinka in Indian Wells in March.

He has a lovely touch and a great slice, and so will always be very comfortable on the grass.

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